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Last year (2019), when it was me browsing over internet on stuffs regarding the life of a college student. Now, it’s time that I share my tips on College life based from my experiences upon entering the University.

Students have baptized tertiary education with numerous negative, heart-pumping names. I’m telling you; it is truly ‘hell’ out there.

This is undeniably the reality but don’t let it be that way for the long run. You need to splash a water-pressure to lessen the intensity. Consider these 10 tips in your journey to out-battle college life.

1. BE FAMILIAR WITH YOUR ENVIRONMENT

The first main thing you need to do is to “adjust.” I know, and I experienced, the effect of culture shock. It’s like you are in another kingdom far different from your own. It may be difficult to adapt with your new environment but you can do it, anyway. Being familiar with everything that surrounds you, from the campus, the new people, up to the new culture, will, definitely, give you the comfort you need to focus on your studies.

2. MAKE FRIENDS

I know you don’t want yourself to be Out of Place (OP) everytime you enter that classroom. You need to establish rapport with your “new” classmates and go with their vibes. With this, you are not just building friendship but you are, unknowingly, having that “connections” whom you can ask about homeworks, activities or even important announcements. But don’t forget the rules on friendships- don’t approach only when in need!

3. LISTEN TO YOUR PROFESSORS

It is the most important thing you need to practice in college. Although some of them are too “boring” to listen to, you need to do it for your upcoming exams. If you really can’t, you can use your cellular phones to record the whole lecture and listen to it on your free time. Just be mindful about the policy of your school, unluckily, some prohibits recording inside the classroom. (Just don’t get caught if that’s the case.) Remember this secret most professors are doing, the most important information are not those written on the board but those told by them.

4. MAKE YOUR OWN NOTES

While listening to your professors, you need to make your “own” notes, even if the ugliest penmanship you have as long as understandable by you. Don’t write every word, just the most important bits of information. Making your own notes is better than depending on your classmate’s. I am telling you, written notes are better than memory, unless yours is photographic. You can keep your notes and will serve as reference to your review. It can remind you of details your memory can’t recall.

5. MANAGE YOUR TIME

In college, there are alot to accomplish with so minimal time. I am sure you don’t want spending your time with nonsense things rather than accomplishing your school tasks. So, you need to manage your time, you need to set a schedule for every task and divide your time to how many activities you have on your To-Do-List. Just be realistic in doing so. Lastly, you also need to secure yourself a wristwatch, even the cheapest one as long as it functions. Don’t use your phone to look for time, there are temptations on the wait for you in there.

6. SECURE HIGHLIGHTERS AND PENCIL

There is a wide gap between highschool life and college. In college, you are always expected to learn more by yourself, no more spoon-feed. There are tons of reading to do from your books and other photocopied materials. To effectively understand and recall all the contents from those pages, maybe, you want to consider using highlighters and or pencil. Use these to highlight the important details or write down additional notes. Doing this does not only provide you the ease in your skimming or reviewing but it will also aid you in retaining all of this information in your memory. When reading, it is best when all of your senses are functioning.

7. FIND YOUR MOST PRODUCTVE TIME AND PLACE

This one is partnered with your time management. Ofcourse, you don’t want spending your time on a certain task accomplishing nothing. So, you need to asses yourself on what time your brain is more functional. Also, when studying, ‘anywhere’ is not a choice. You need to discover where you are most productive and comfortable. Some are productive at home, in the library, school grounds, some are renting a study haven, and you can also consider coffee-shops. You can accomplish more, and even better, tasks when working on your most productive time and place.

8. ENGAGE IN A GROUP STUDY

Although every student has their own ‘study-routine’ preference. Maybe, you prefer studying alone. Yes, you can do that but, you need to engage in a group study even for once in a while only. Regardless of how intense your study routine, alone, there are details that you can clearly understand with a group, just be mindful in choosing your members. Isolating yourself, when studying, is like depriving yourself of additional knowledge.

9. DISCOVER YOUR MOST EFFECTIVE STUDY TECHNIQUES

There are numerous available ways and techniques students are incorporating in their studies. Some make their notes aesthetic, there is also the use of mnemonics, some walk when reading, others do the ‘lecture’ way, or speaking by themselves, and some only use their Electronic gadgets. Many different techniques but, you need to discover what works for you. By doing this, you are making yourself an extra-time and saving yourself from frustrations. Utilizing your most effective study technique will provide you the ease to understand in a shorter span of time.

10. VACATE SOME TIME TO RELAX

Although there are stressful loads that awaits you every day, don’t forget to clear some time from your schedule for your moment of relaxation. Always think of this as your reward to yourself, for exerting all the efforts and for doing that every day hustle. No matter how little, finishing your tasks is an accomplishment that deserves a personal celebration.

Being a College student feels like your dream profession are inch away from you. It’s just a matter of perseverance, hardwork and motivation. 

Despite this pressure of attaining your goal, be mindful on how you want to make the climax out of your college life story. No matter how rough the flow will be, anticipate that your ending will be on that very stage receiving your college diploma.

Although this time, you will only be on your freshman year, you have now earned our CONGRATULATIONS!